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Klopp thinking beyond six years, discusses new academy

Jurgen Klopp admits he was surprised to be offered a new contract so early in his time at Liverpool but insists he is already thinking about how to build the club’s future.

The German has signed a six-year deal taking him through to the summer of 2022 just nine months after arriving at Anfield, having taken the side he inherited from Brendan Rodgers to the Europa League and Capital One Cup finals.

Owners Fenway Sports Group wants Klopp to plan for the medium to long-term which is why he has been tied down until 2022.

“Signing a new contract is like having a penalty. Now we have to finish it,” he said after the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Tranmere in their first pre-season friendly.

“When you see what happens around us, in a world where everything is changing in this moment, it is really difficult.

“I like this sign for consistency. We have to make decisions and we made the decision to stay together.

“Usually you don’t have to make the decision and you wait to see what happens.

“It was an early moment when the club asked me, I was surprised about it, I thought about it but thought it felt right, so we did it and now we are happy.

“When you talk about six years, it’s a really long term. Six years in football is like 60 years so we really need to be successful in the future. That’s clear.

“We need to develop the club, a lot of things.

“We’re building a new stand, we think about building a new academy or bringing the academy and Melwood together, and things like this – it’s much longer term than my contract.

“It’s important we do the right things so this wonderful club can be successful both in these six years but later on too.

“We are very responsible for the club, the people around.”

“When they asked me, I was surprised but it felt right and now we are all happy.

“I asked myself ‘Is this the right option? Do I want to train another team?’ I asked my coaches and my family and they all said ‘No’. It’s all about getting the right signs.”